Bridge demolition to close 67-miles of I-10 east of Tucson

The demolition of the old Pantano Union Pacific Railroad Bridge along I-10 between Tucson and Benson will create a 67-mile detour to travelers along that route starting March 8.

The bridge is being removed so that most commercial trucks can continue to travel along I-10 and not detour to either State Route (SR) 83, SR 82 or SR 90 because of the bridge being too low for trucks to pass.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will be closing 30 miles of I-10 in both directions east of downtown Tucson Friday at 9 p.m. March 8 until 6 a.m. Saturday, March 9.

Preparation for the demolition will begin the morning of Friday, March 8 starting at 7 a.m. ADOT will have lane restrictions along I-10 in both directions and the speed limit will be reduced, only one lane will remain open in either direction.

Travelers will be forced to take a 67-mile detour along SR 83 east of Tucson and SR 90 west of Benson around the demolition of the bridge. Travelers can expect the detour to add an additional two hours to the drive time.

Eastbound I-10 traffic will detour to SR 83 (Exit 281), travel south to SR 82 in Sonoita, turn left (east) on SR 82 to the SR 90 intersection, turn left (west) onto SR 90 and follow signs to reconnect with I-10 near Benson (Exit 302).

If you are traveling westbound on I-10 you will detour from the interstate at SR 90 (Exit 302), travel east to the SR 82 intersection, turn right (west) on SR 82 and travel to SR 83 in Sonoita, turn right (north) on SR 83 to reconnect with I-10 at Exit 281.

ADOT has provided a list of 24-hour gas stations for anyone traveling at night during the detour:

I-10 and SR 90 junction

SR 90 and SR 82 junction

Intersection of Colossal Cave Road and Wentworth Road, Exit 279. (This is the last gas station on eastbound I-10 before the detour onto SR 83)

SR 82 and SR 83 junction (There is a store at this location that will be closed but the pumps are available 24 hours a day for credit card purchases)